Cardinals, Carpenter agree to 2-year extension
The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a two-year contract extension with infielder Matt Carpenter that includes a vesting option for the 2022 season, the team announced Wednesday at a press conference.
Truly a blessing to get to continue my career in a @Cardinals uniform. I want to thank the entire Cardinals organization and all of the fans. Now it’s time to get that title that you deserve. #timetofly
— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) April 11, 2019
Carpenter was in the final guaranteed year of his current contract, which included an $18.5-million team option for 2020.
The deal will reportedly guarantee that Carpenter makes $39 million combined during the 2020 and '21 campaigns. The vesting option, worth an additional $18.5 million, will be automatically picked up by the team if Carpenter makes at least 1,100 plate appearances over the first two seasons of the extension, according to Mark Saxon of The Athletic.
The 33-year-old was drafted by St. Louis in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Over nine seasons with the Cardinals, the three-time All-Star has slashed .273/.376/.469 with 134 home runs.
Carpenter has also proven to be versatile during his tenure with the Cardinals, playing first base, second base, and third base at different times last year. This season, he's appeared at third base in every game he's played.
Carpenter's extension is just the latest on a growing list of deals brokered between teams and under-contract players, including a five-year, $130-million pact signed between the Cardinals and Paul Goldschmidt in late March.